Explore the online study experience at each Victorian university

Australian Catholic University

With more than 150 years of educational heritage, Australian Catholic University (ACU) is a publicly funded Australian institution offering students high-quality and internationally recognised qualifications.

ACU is the largest Catholic university in the English-speaking world. It is ranked in the top two per cent of universities worldwide (THE 2021) and first in Australia for graduate employment (QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey – Longitudinal 2020).

ACU takes pride in its welcoming environment. With more than 34,000 students from a range of nationalities, religions and cultural backgrounds, it is one of Australia’s fastest growing and most affordable universities.

ACU offers career-relevant undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across a range of academic disciplines. With well-established links nationally and internationally, its courses are designed to prepare students for employment and leadership positions across the globe.

ACU's relationships with more than 200 universities and educational institutions around the world support education abroad, staff mobility, collaborative research, articulation and shared community engagement activities. The university works closely with communities and industries to answer the big questions and create tangible results.

ACU's seven research institutes respond to key societal needs in education, health, and theology and philosophy, producing world-class research in these priority areas.

Online courses

ACU is committed to ensuring students continue to take positive steps towards achieving their goals. The university offers more than 120 high-quality courses across all levels of study, from undergraduate degrees that allow students to choose their career path to postgraduate degrees that will take their career in new and unexpected directions.

In 2020, ACU supported offshore students to continue their studies remotely. ACU is committed to welcoming offshore students back on campus as soon as travel restrictions are lifted.

In 2021, ACU is offering more than 50 online courses in the following study areas:

  • English language preparatory programs
  • pathway programs including Foundation Studies and Tertiary Preparation Program (Health Sciences)
  • teaching and education
  • business
  • information technology
  • public health and rehabilitation (postgraduate only)
  • arts and global studies
  • international development studies
  • youth work
  • theological studies (postgraduate only).

These programs are available to eligible international students who are currently outside of Australia but who wish to finish their course onshore, when borders open.

For more information on virtual learning and program availability at ACU visit: https://www.acu.edu.au/international-students/virtual-learning

Student support

ACU's dedicated support services are available to all students studying virtually. This includes a virtual orientation program, as well as access to academic skills and study support services. Students also have access to student health and wellbeing services, including dedicated International Student Advisors. Course coordinators are available to assist with any issues students may be experiencing with course content or academic matters.

Contact details

CRICOS: 00004G

CQUniversity Australia

CQUniversity Australia is proud of its strong history in delivering affordable, flexible high-quality online education. The university continues to evolve its online learning and teaching so students anywhere in the world can gain a world-class CQUniversity qualification from their home country.

CQUniversity has been on a phenomenal trajectory since achieving its full university status in 1992. Its commitment to improving the overall student experience is recognised by its 2020 ComparED results, which show it outperformed most other Australian universities on student support, teaching quality, learning resources, skills development and education experience.

CQUniversity graduates have some of the best employment outcomes in the country, achieving higher starting salaries than the national averages, according to ComparED. CQUniversity is ranked top five in Australia for undergraduate and top 10 for postgraduate full-time employment and starting salaries by the 2021 Good Universities Guide.

Every year, CQUniversity funds approximately AUD$24 million worth of scholarships to support international students. Students who enrol online first, then transition to full-time on-campus study, are eligible for a 25 per cent scholarship, subject to terms and conditions.

CQUniversity proves education transcends physical boundaries. Currently the university has approximately 19,000 students enrolled online.

Online courses

CQUniversity courses can be studied online entirely, online with a residential school, or online first then transitioning to on-campus.

Its online offerings span various fields, including accounting, business, digital media, engineering, health, information technology, project management and more.

Its research is rated at, above and well above world standards in 22 categories (State of Australian University Research 2018-19: ERA National Report). Its CQUEnglish Language Centres achieved a 96.3 per cent student support satisfaction rate in the i-graduate English Language Barometer 2019/20.

Committed to education innovation, CQUniversity developed the next-level online learning platform, Be Different. Be Different courses such as the Graduate Certificate in Educational Neuroscience and the MBA (Leadership) are ultra-flexible, self-paced, accessible anytime and more affordable than standard online courses.

Student support

CQUniversity’s strong history in providing distance study makes it highly experienced and well placed to support online students. Students have access to free and discounted software, recorded lectures, discussion forums, over 500,000 eBooks and databases and experienced lecturers and online study mentors. Other support services include the Academic Learning Centre, Ask-a-Librarian consultations, careers advice and IT help.

Contact details

CRICOS: 00219C
RTO: 40939

Deakin University

At Deakin University, Victoria, Australia, students become part of a friendly and diverse community that supports every individual to achieve their career goals. The majority of Deakin’s courses are also offered online via its Cloud Campus, which provides students with the same high-quality education as its on-campus experience.

Deakin University's achievements include:

  • highest level of overall student satisfaction among Victorian universities for 10 years (Australian Graduate Survey and Graduate Outcomes Survey, QILT)
  • top 50 young university in the world (QS 2021)
  • top one per cent of universities worldwide (ShanghaiRankings 2020)
  • number one university in Victoria for undergraduate employment outcomes (2019 Graduate Outcomes Survey, QILT)
  • number one university careers service in Australia (Australian Graduate Recruitment Industry Awards, 2017, 2018, 2019 winner).

Deakin's Cloud Campus offers lectures, seminars and class discussions via livestream, and students can chat with teaching staff and other students in real-time.

The Deakin University English Language Institute’s full suite of English language courses are also available online.

Online courses

The majority of Deakin’s courses are offered online via its Cloud campus – that is, more than 350 courses to choose from across the following disciplines:

  • architecture and construction management
  • business
  • design
  • education and teaching
  • engineering
  • English language courses
  • environment
  • food, nutrition and dietetics
  • health sciences and allied health
  • humanities, social sciences and languages
  • information technology
  • law
  • media, communication and creative arts
  • medicine
  • nursing and midwifery
  • psychology
  • sciences
  • sport.

Student support

To assist students to manage their time and competing priorities, the Cloud Campus offers orientation sessions, tailored support services, easy-to-use digital tools and resources and a dedicated ‘student success coach’ to help students stay on track.

While studying online, students have access to the same support services as those available on campus:

  • Smarthinking – get help with your studies from any location at any time of the day
  • student-to-student mentoring programs
  • orientation and study preparation sessions and resources
  • easy-to-use online learning tools, including downloadable class recordings
  • library resources, 24 hours every day
  • IT team available seven days a week
  • online language and learning consultations
  • writing feedback service
  • online tutoring in selected subjects.

Contact details

CRICOS: 00113B

Federation University Australia

Realise your ambition with Federation University Australia. With a 150-year history, Federation is renowned for its personalised student support, high-quality teaching and outstanding graduate outcomes. Online students will be equipped with globally transferrable skills that are in high demand by employers.

Federation University is Australia’s highest ranked university for postgraduate teaching quality and Victoria’s highest ranked university for undergraduate teaching quality (The Good Universities Guide 2021). It reports that Federation undergraduate students are more likely to get a full-time job and earn a higher starting salary than undergraduate students from any other Victorian university.

Today, more than 23,000 Australian and international students are enrolled with Federation, with 110,000 alumni across Australia and the world. Federation has more than 10 years' experience delivering online education, with 3000 students choosing to study online with the university each year – in 2020, however, 20,000 students successfully studied online.

Federation's extensive experience in delivering quality education online and on campus provides every opportunity for students to succeed. Students thrive during industry experience opportunities that are available online in many study areas.

Federation recently won an Engagement Australia Excellence Award for Student Engagement for its collaboration with technology giant IBM. The 25-year partnership with IBM has provided students with real-world skills and seen over 400 Federation graduates transition into paid positions with IBM.

Online courses

Federation University’s close links with industry play an important role in the design and academic rigour of courses. This is one of the reasons why the university's undergraduate courses have been rated the best in Victoria for full-time graduate employment and starting salary (The Good Universities Guide 2021).

Many degrees are available for online study in a range of study areas. These include business, education, engineering, humanities, information technology, healthcare, science and sport. If students do not meet the English entry requirements for their chosen course, there is the opportunity to find a pathway with an online English language course.

Student support

Commencing study online is exciting, but also has its challenges. Federation University has extensive support programs available online, including dedicated international student support, academic and study support, English language support, counselling, careers and employment support.

Contact details

CRICOS: 00103D

La Trobe University

Through innovations in teaching and learning, strong graduate employment outcomes and leading research, La Trobe consistently rates among the world’s best universities. La Trobe's excellent online study experience provides the same globally recognised education, delivered to meet student needs – with support every step of the way.

Ranked in the top one per cent of universities worldwide (THE 2021), La Trobe offers students a world-class education. The university co-designs its degrees with industry to teach the technical skills graduates need to land the job they want.

La Trobe is offering international students the opportunity to commence their studies online from any location in 2021, then continue on campus when travel is permitted.

By studying online with La Trobe, students will:

  • begin building the skills and knowledge employers are looking for
  • learn from expert academics
  • manage their coursework on a leading learning management system
  • be supported by online student services and learning assistance.

Online courses

In 2021, La Trobe will continue to deliver comprehensive academic and student support services through its online learning management system (LMS). Students will gain a world-class education through online study and make friends through online activities, preparing them to enjoy campus life in Melbourne and Victoria.

Undergraduate and postgraduate courses are available online across all disciplines, including:

  • arts, social sciences and communications
  • business and commerce
  • education and teaching
  • health, IT and engineering
  • law and criminology
  • science.

Student support

La Trobe's dedicated International Student Services team can help with almost any academic, social, financial or cultural issue students may encounter. The team is available for online appointments via Zoom. The following support services are available online:

  • International Student Lounge
  • eFriends program
  • Student Wellbeing team
  • Career Support program.

Contact details

CRICOS: 00115M

Monash University

Monash University is Australia’s largest university and is consistently ranked in the top 100 universities in the world. Monash has successfully delivered off-campus and flexible education for more than a decade, with online options since 2013.

Monash is Australia’s largest university and is a founding member of the prestigious Group of Eight universities. The university's worldwide reputation for education and research excellence ranks it in the top one per cent of universities across the globe (THE 2021).

Monash students are driven to change their world, to find new and innovative ways to solve global problems and complex issues at home.

Monash offers multiple study options including blended, online and face-to-face learning – where public health regulations allow. Through online learning, students learn and are supported through high-quality multimedia resources, video conferencing, message boards, and a dedicated online resource centre and support team.

Upon completion, students graduate with a degree that is recognised around the world and backed by professional bodies. More importantly, students emerge with insight and thinking which make Monash graduates leaders in their fields.

At the start of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Monash quickly shifted to online learning to provide flexibility and choice for student cohorts studying offshore and locally. In 2021, Monash will continue to provide flexibility and choice for students affected by the pandemic. As our study modes evolve we encourage students to stay up-to-date via our COVID-19 updates website.

Online courses

Monash offers a range of study modes and options designed to provide students with flexibility and choice.

Monash offers more than 30 fully online courses in the areas of psychology, health, information technology, marketing, business, education and law. These programs are still open for intake, however international students should familiarise themselves with the relevant visa requirements. Our online postgraduate course options range from graduate certificates to masters degrees.

International students outside Australia can start their 2021 study online with Monash in many of the university's most popular CRICOS courses. When travel to Australia is permitted, students can continue their studies on campus with Monash.

Student support

Monash online students will join a vibrant online community, with full support from a team of dedicated academics and from fellow students.

Monash has always had a robust support network for students. The university continues to shift its existing services online and create new initiatives to ensure students outside Australia remain active and engaged in their learning.

Students are supported to achieve their goals through career coaching, leadership training and, after they’ve graduated, Monash's global alumni community.

Contact details

CRICOS: 00008C

RMIT University

RMIT is a multi-sector university of technology, design and enterprise. In 2020, RMIT pivoted at scale to become COVIDSafe in its approach to working, teaching, learning and research. Looking ahead, RMIT believes it is more important than ever to prepare graduates for a changed world with new challenges, and to empower researchers to shape it for the better.

Summary (no heading)

RMIT’s mission is to help shape the world through research, innovation, quality teaching and engagement, and to create transformative experiences for students, getting them ready for life and work.

With strong industry connections forged over more than 130 years, collaboration with industry remains integral to RMIT’s international leadership in education, applied and innovative research, and the development of highly skilled, globally focused graduates.

RMIT's three campuses in Melbourne – Melbourne City, Brunswick and Bundoora – are located on the unceded lands of the people of the Woi Wurrung and Boon Wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation.

As a global university, RMIT has two campuses in Vietnam and a research and industry collaboration centre in Barcelona, Spain. It also offers programs through partners in destinations including Singapore, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka and mainland China, with research and industry partnerships on every continent.

RMIT offers multiple pathways to degree study, including a wide range of vocational certificate and diploma programs.

Online courses

RMIT transitioned nearly all its courses online during 2020, meaning the university can now offer online, face-to-face and blended learning across all our key subject areas:

  • art and design
  • architecture and the built environment
  • engineering – civil, structural, electrical, electronic, mechanical, aeronautical, manufacturing, chemical
  • computer science and information systems
  • business and management studies
  • accounting and finance
  • communication, cultural and media studies
  • education
  • statistics and operational research
  • mathematics and physics
  • biological sciences
  • health and medical sciences.

Student support

RMIT international students receive access to two online study support services – Studiosity and Peer Mentoring.

Students can access 15 sessions of academic and English language support via Studiosity, an online platform providing 24/7 access to subject specialists. Students can get help with English language, essay and report writing, maths, science and economics, along with constructive feedback on written assessments.

The Peer Mentoring program allows international students to connect with other RMIT students who have performed well academically. These mentors can assist with study tips and general questions about university life.

Contact details

CRICOS: 00122A

Swinburne University of Technology

Swinburne is a world leader in online study, utilising breakthrough technologies to deliver our courses and degrees in a supportive environment. Swinburne has online study options at all levels. Students can choose a fully online course or mix on-campus learning with online units.

Swinburne is an internationally recognised university. It is ranked one of the world's top 400 universities (THE 2021 and QS 2021), placing it in the top 1.5 per cent of universities worldwide. Swinburne is among the best universities in the world in 12 subject areas (QS 2021).

Swinburne is an established leader in delivering world-class online learning to students. In partnership with online employment marketplace SEEK, Swinburne's online courses are specifically designed to meet the educational needs of students and provide an exceptional digital student experience.

Swinburne's reputation for quality education attracts highly qualified academics and educational leaders. Academic staff bring their industry experience to life through their teaching.

A 110-year history of high-quality teaching has made Swinburne an educational leader in science, technology, innovation, business and design. All students, irrespective of their location or mode of study, benefit from Swinburne's digital environment. A student-focused culture combines with innovative digital solutions to provide a personalised learning experience.

Online courses

Swinburne has online study options at all levels, including bachelor and double degree courses, graduate certificates, graduate diplomas and masters degrees spanning the following disciplines:

  • arts and humanities
  • aviation
  • built environment and construction
  • business
  • design
  • education
  • engineering
  • film and television
  • games and animation
  • health sciences
  • information technology
  • law
  • media and communications
  • nursing
  • psychology
  • science.

Student support

Swinburne has partnered with Studiosity to give students free 24/7 academic support, in addition to the existing Learning and Academic Skills (LAS) Centre which has also moved online.

Swinburne's ‘connect live’ support offer students a real-time, one-on-one virtual session with a degree-qualified study coach. Assignments are delivered back to each student's inbox.

Contact details

CRICOS: 0111D
RTO: 3059

The University of Melbourne

Part of Australia’s leading university, the University of Melbourne Professional Development offers a wide range of fully online courses developed by world-leading experts, providing rich, engaging and highly interactive learning experiences along with the highest level of support.

The University of Melbourne is consistently ranked among the leading universities in the world, with international rankings placing it number one in Australia and 31 in the world (THE 2021) as well as number seven in the world for graduate employability (QS 2020).

The University of Melbourne Professional Development offers 100 per cent online courses spanning microcredentials, specialist and graduate certificates, diplomas and masters degrees. Professional learners can choose from a broad range of specialty areas, including business, leadership, education, health, IT, law and humanities, as well as science and agriculture studies.

Courses are underpinned by cutting-edge research and developed in close consultation with leading industry partners. By bringing together the latest insights with real-world experience, academic leaders will give professional development students an engaging and meaningful learning experience online.

Online courses

The 100 per cent online Professional Development courses cover a broad range of specialty areas. Choose from business, leadership, communication, education, health, IT and computer science, law and humanities, as well as science and agriculture. Professional learners will have the opportunity to connect with, and learn from, highly regarded academics who are at the forefront in their field and have extensive backgrounds in research as well as professional networks across the globe.

These courses are designed to help students achieve their career goals. The University of Melbourne will support students to gain the specific skills and confidence they need to take the next step in their career, move into a new field, take on leadership roles, formalise skills they’ve been learning on the job or pursue international opportunities.

Student support

Online students receive the highest level of academic, technical and administrative support, from the first course enquiry through to graduation. The University of Melbourne's Student Support team is dedicated, friendly and available to guide students every step of the way.

Contact details

CRICOS: 00116K

University of Divinity

The University of Divinity promotes the highest standards of scholarship in theology, philosophy, counselling, ministry and spirituality. The university empowers its learning community to address the issues of the contemporary world through critical engagement with Christian theological traditions.

The University of Divinity is a learning community comprising colleges based in three Australian states and online. It was established in 1910 as the Melbourne College of Divinity and has a history of excellence in learning, teaching and research.

The university offers diplomas, undergraduate degrees, graduate certificates and diplomas, postgraduate degrees and higher degrees by research. All the awards are in divinity and its associated disciplines, in the broad field of society and culture.

The University of Divinity has been nationally recognised as having the most positive student experience of any university in Australia, according to the Australian Government's 2017, 2018 and 2019 Student Experience Survey (QILT). The results reflect the university’s vibrant and challenging learning experience, and deep engagement with students’ needs made possible by small class sizes.

Online courses

Courses available to study wholly online include diplomas, undergraduate degrees, graduate certificates and diplomas, postgraduate degrees and higher degrees by research. Courses are available across the following disciplines:

  • ageing
  • children and families ministry
  • counselling
  • divinity
  • education and theology
  • leadership
  • liturgy
  • pastoral care
  • philosophy
  • professional supervision
  • spiritual direction
  • spirituality
  • research methodology
  • teaching meditation
  • teaching Religious Education
  • theological education
  • theology
  • theology and ministry.

Student support

Each student joins the university through one of its member Colleges – a central point for personalised support and guidance.

Services which support students to succeed in their studies include:

  • Orientation program including library skills
  • English language skills assistance
  • academic skills assistance
  • course advice and course planning
  • pastoral care.

These services are delivered by each home College to its students.

Contact details

CRICOS: 01037A

Victoria University

Ranking in the top two per cent of universities worldwide, Victoria University (VU) offers world-class qualifications in one of the world’s most liveable cities. Students benefit from the multi award-winning VU Block Model of learning, strong industry partnerships, and excellent facilities, services and support.

VU offers internationally recognised, world-class qualifications built on more than 100 years of teaching excellence. The university's courses cover a range of disciplines including: arts; business and management; computing and IT; education; engineering and science; health, nursing and dermal sciences; biomedicine; hospitality and tourism; law and criminology; and sport and exercise science. Foundation studies and English language courses are also offered.

By studying at VU, students will experience the multi award-winning VU Block Model, which enables them to focus on one or two subjects over four or eight weeks, rather than juggling multiple subjects at the same time. The VU Block Model is delivered across all undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and is exclusive to VU in Australia.

Foundation studies and English language courses are also offered. Designed with and accredited by industry, VU's practical courses ensure students are graduate-ready for a successful career in the global workforce.

VU students benefit from:

  • focused learning, smaller classes and better results through the VU Block Model
  • practical work placements through partnerships with more than 4000 industry partners
  • pathways from vocational to postgraduate study
  • employability programs to prepare students for the global workforce.

Online courses

In Semester 1, 2021, students can work towards achieving a VU qualification through digitally-supported remote (DSR) learning, before transferring to on-campus study in Melbourne when travel is permitted.

Numerous courses are available online across the following VU colleges:

  • College of Arts and Education
  • College of Engineering and Science
  • College of Health and Biomedicine
  • College of Law and Justice
  • College of Sports and Exercise Science
  • VU Business School
  • VU College.

VU Polytechnic's vocational education and training (TAFE) courses are currently unavailable via DSR learning.

Student support

DSR learning at VU maintains a classroom environment using Zoom or Webex, allowing students to participate in group discussions, interact with classmates and get immediate feedback. Classes are delivered within standard Australian Eastern Standard Time (AET) teaching times. However, VU aims to schedule DSR classes for offshore students later in the day, to minimise the impact of time differences.

Students studying remotely also have access to career mentoring programs and general wellbeing and welfare support.

Contact details

CRICOS: 00124K (Melbourne)
CRICOS: 02475D (Sydney)
RTO Code: 3113

Learn more about online study
Online Course Guide - Find out about your online study experience
Public vocational training institutes - Study online with a leading Victorian institution
Information resources - Online resources about studying in Victoria and Melbourne

The information on this webpage is provided for general guidance and assistance only and is not intended as advice. You should make your own enquiries as to the appropriateness and suitability of the information provided. While every effort has been made to ensure the currency, accuracy or completeness of the content we endeavour to keep the content relevant and up to date and reserve the right to make changes as required.

For the most up to date information regarding study and course options please visit the University website.